West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance presents the Cole Porter classic, Kiss Me, Kate from Oct. 19 – 22, 2023. Guest Director Megan Bellwoar helms the show with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, libretto by Sam and Bella Spewack, and choreography by Associate Professor Elizabeth Staruch. 

Kiss Me, Kate runs Thursday – Saturday, Oct. 19 – 21, at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, Oct. 22, at 2 PM in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center at 817 S. High Street in West Chester. General admission tickets are $15, $12 for students and seniors with valid i.d. here.  

KISS ME, KATE is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy from Broadway’s Golden Age. Premiering in 1948, Kiss Me, Kate‘s explosive Cole Porter score showcases some of his most beloved, witty, and catchy songs including, “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” and “Too Darn Hot.”

A bickering, divorced couple finds themselves working together as the leads in a production of The Taming of the Shrew. Hilariousness ensues as their backstage squabbles mirror what is happening onstage. Amidst the play within a play hijinks there is a larger story that examines love, marriage, gender politics, and the joyful world of theatre people.

Director Bellwoar said, “Working with West Chester University students on this production has been pure joy. Kiss Me, Kate is a big, brassy, classical musical with a 25-person cast, gorgeous dancing, and glorious songs. Cole Porter’s genius score is so infectious, and our audiences will certainly recognize many of these glorious songs. I find that my brain chooses a new one to play on loop for my drive home after rehearsal each night.”

“It’s important to note,” Bellwoar said, “that Kiss Me, Kate premiered on Broadway in 1948, when sexual and physical harassment between men and women in the workplace were excused as “business as usual.” The cast and artistic team have worked to address the power dynamics in the script in a way that reflects our 21st century sensibilities. Among other changes, we adopt the 2019 Broadway revival approach of changing the lyric of the song “I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple” to “I Am Ashamed That People Are So Simple.”

“Overall, working on this production has been a wonderful reminder that one of our jobs as theatre artists is to bring joy. We create theatre to foster connection and reflection, and to experience joy as a community. Kiss Me, Kate has theatrical fun and joy in spades.”

Isabella Yackanicz plays the role of Kate and added, “Kiss Me, Kate is such a fun show! It has that classic golden age feel with gorgeous music and dancing. The choreography is beautiful and compelling. Audiences will have a great time!”

Learn more at West Chester University.